Severe relapsing autoimmune encephalitis with GABAA receptor, titin and AchR antibodies in a patient with thymoma: a case report

Introduction: We report a challenging case of autoimmune encephalitis in a patient with a thymoma harboring titin and acetylcholine receptor antibodies, who experienced multiple relapses despite thymectomy and aggressive first-line immunotherapy, and for whom GABAA receptor antibodies were ultimately identified. Case presentation: This 40-year-old man presented with headaches, weakness, diplopia, hearing loss and seizures progressing to status epilepticus. Brain MRI showed multifocal cortical and subcortical T2/fluid attenuated inversion recovery hyperintense lesions without enhancement. Initial neural antibody testing identified only acetylcholine receptor and titin antibodies. He presented multiple severe relapses despite complete thymoma resection, intravenous methylprednisolone with immunoglobulins or plasmapheresis, and mycophenolate mofetil. Second-line immunotherapy with rituximab was successful to alleviate symptoms and normalize the EEG and MRI after identification of anti-GABAA receptor antibodies on more comprehensive neural antibody testing for autoimmune encephalitis. Conclusion: This case demonstrates the complexity and importance of identifying pathogenic antibodies and selecting 2nd line treatment accordingly in patients with autoimmune encephalitis when multiple antibodies coexist. Despite tumor resection, aggressive immunotherapy may be needed to prevent further deterioration in anti-GABAA receptor encephalitis.